Estimator, Special Projects

Tarlton Corporation; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Tarlton Corporation, a St. Louis-based general contractor, seeks an experienced construction estimator to lead turnkey preconstruction and estimating for Special Projects clients.

You will partner with Owners, Architects, Engineers, and Facility Managers to develop budgets and project strategies for renovations, facility improvements, and fast-track needs. Join a growing team that emphasizes safety, collaboration, and client relationships while delivering high-quality, uncertain-project

Qualifications

• Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related degree preferred.
• Minimum 3 years estimating/preconstruction experience; 5+ preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary contact for clients pursuing special projects.
• Develop budgets and project strategies with Owners, Architects, Engineers, and Facility Managers.
• Lead estimating for renovation, tenant-improvement, and fast-track projects.
• Prepare detailed takeoffs, pricing, budget presentations, scope summaries, and value engineering recommendations.
• Review plans, specs, site conditions, and risks to develop budgets and mitigation strategies.
• Support growth of the Special Projects portfolio with client needs and tailored solutions.
• Collaborate with Operations and Business Development on pursuit strategies and client capture plans.

Skills

Client relationships

Business development

Communication

Presentation skills

Customer service

Lead generation

Proposal development

Education

Engineering/Architecture/Construction Management degree

Tools

On-Screen Takeoff

Bluebeam Revu

Excel

Word

Outlook

Procore

Autodesk Build

Job description

Let's Build

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced construction estimator who wants to leverage people skills alongside technical acumen, advancing a career with a growing company while playing a key client-facing role in a fast-moving revenue sector. Tarlton's Special Projects Group delivers fast, efficient, and high-quality construction solutions to clients across all markets through master service agreements and other strategic, client-centric contracting and delivery methods. From small ongoing maintenance needs to facility upgrades to undefined, conceptual, and fast-track needs, we bring the flexibility and expertise to plan, execute, and adapt without disrupting day-to-day operations. To learn more, visit the Special Projects Group page at tarltoncorp.com.

Why Tarlton

Tarlton is a St. Louis-based general contractor and construction manager specializing in complex, technically demanding projects across the Midwest. With deep regional roots and a reputation built on trust, teamwork, and repeat clients, we are known for taking on challenging work and delivering it safely, predictably, and with pride. We conduct our business with safety, quality, integrity, and enthusiasm—and our core values include building a safe and caring environment.

Your Role

Deliver turnkey preconstruction and estimating services for Tarlton's Special Projects clients. Working alongside our operations teams, you will develop budgets and project strategies with Owners, Architects, Engineers, and Facility Managers, and serve as a primary point of contact for clients pursuing renovations, facility improvements, and small capital projects.

What You'll Do

Client Relationships & Business Development

• Serve as a primary point of contact for existing and prospective clients pursuing special projects, renovations, facility improvements, and small capital projects.
• Build and maintain trusted client relationships through regular communication, site visits, and proactive identification of future opportunities.
• Conduct regular outreach to existing clients to identify upcoming project opportunities and maintain strong customer relationships.
• Partner with Operations and Business Development teams to develop strategies for securing new and repeat business opportunities.
• Actively contribute to the development and maintenance of a pipeline of active and prospective special project opportunities.
• Collaborate with Business Development and Operations personnel on client capture plans and pursuit strategies.
• Assist with lead generation efforts through networking, industry associations, client events, and market engagement activities.
• Participate in proposal preparation, qualifications packages, presentations, and project interviews. Assist in development of marketing materials and project case studies supporting business growth initiatives.

Estimating & Preconstruction

• Provide conceptual, negotiated, design-build, and hard-bid estimating services. Lead estimating efforts for renovation, tenant improvement, facility maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, and fast-track special projects.
• Develop conceptual budgets and pricing for projects with limited design information and compressed timelines.
• Work closely with Owners, Architects, Engineers, Facility Managers, and Operations teams to develop budgets and project strategies.
• Perform site investigations and existing-condition assessments to support budgeting and scope development.
• Prepare complete detailed takeoffs, pricing, budget presentations, scope summaries, and value engineering recommendations.
• Review plans, specifications, site conditions, and project risks to develop accurate budgets and mitigation strategies.
• Support growth of the Special Projects portfolio by identifying client needs and developing tailored preconstruction solutions.

Collaboration & Market Intelligence

• Interface directly with customers and design professionals.
• Coordinate with project management teams regarding general conditions, sequencing, duration, market feedback, and constructability.
• Manage subcontractor and supplier solicitation, scope reviews, and market feedback.
• Maintain estimating databases, tools, labor rates, material costs, and market intelligence.
• Provide estimate-specific collaboration with and coordination of other estimating and operations personnel.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Experience

• Minimum 3 years (5+ preferred) of estimating/preconstruction experience.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain client relationships.
• Experience supporting negotiated work procurement and business development efforts.
• Strong presentation, communication, and customer service skills.
• Experience in renovation, occupied facility, and special projects construction preferred.
• Ability to independently manage multiple small and mid-sized opportunities simultaneously.
• Ability to develop conceptual estimates with limited or no plans or design documentation.
• Design-Build estimating experience favorable.

Education & Certifications

Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related degree preferred.

Tools & Software

• Digital takeoff and estimating software (On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam Revu, or comparable) at an advanced level.
• Microsoft Excel at an advanced level for cost modeling, budget development, and bid analysis; Word and Outlook at a proficient level.
• Construction project management and document control platforms (Procore, Autodesk Build, or comparable) at a working level.

Where You'll Work

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment where the noise level is usually quiet.
• If required, the employee may work from a jobsite trailer on occasion or owner-designated office location. The noise level in the work environment can be loud due to heavy equipment, jack hammers, pneumatic tools, etc. These sounds can be non-stop throughout the day.

Physical Requirements

• Limited exposure to physical risk.
• The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to twenty-five pounds.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit, talk, and hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; use hands; reach; and stoop or kneel.
• Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

Travel Requirements

• Occasional local or regional travel required for business or community events.
• Regular travel to client facilities and project sites within the region for site investigations, existing-condition assessments, and client meetings.
• Travel required based on project assignment; projects are primarily within the region, with flexibility needed to support work outside the local market as the company expands.

Tarlton Competencies

• Leadership & Team Development: Provides clear direction, sets expectations, holds others accountable, and develops team members through coaching and support
• Stand Behind Our Word and Work: Follows through on commitments, takes ownership of results, and ensures work meets high standards of quality and professionalism
• Cultivate Clients for Life: Builds trust-based relationships through responsiveness, clear communication, and understanding of client needs
• Build a Safe and Caring Environment: Promotes a safety-first culture, proactively manages risks, and looks out for others
• Gets the Job Done: Takes ownership, removes obstacles, prioritizes effectively, and drives work forward to achieve results
• Communication and Collaboration: Communicates clearly and works effectively across teams to build trust and alignment
• Develops and Adapt: Seeks feedback, learns from experience, and adjusts to changing conditions and project needs

Why You’ll Like Working Here

• Complex, high-impact projects with experienced teams
• Strong partnership between field and project management
• Safety-first culture and high standards of quality
• Competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and long-term career growth
• A company proud to be STLMade and invested in the region

Equal Opportunity Employer

Tarlton is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable law. If you require assistance completing this application or need a reasonable accommodation, please contact [e-mail] or 314.633.3300 for support.

Exempt